CPA eyes commercial plans for lot

CEBU, Philippines - Despite its ongoing ownership dispute with the city government, the Cebu Port Authority yesterday announced commercial plans for the port area including the contested Compania Maritima area.

Deputy General Manager Atty. Yuson Uckung told reporters that they intend to utilize the area as a commercial mixed use arena.

He added that the Compania Maritima building could be converted into a maritime museum for key historical artifacts in Cebu since no such museum has been established here.

However, the city government does not seem to share their excitement since they also claim ownership of the reclaimed area which is behind City Hall.

Mayor Michael Rama did not want to comment further saying the matter is now being taken care of by both city administrator Atty. Jose Marie Poblete and city attorney Jerone Castillo.

Poblete said CPA may opt to discuss their own plans for the area but as far as the city government is concerned, the ownership issue must be settled and decided by a third party entity first before any party officially claims ownership.

He added that the city has been in communication with the Government Owned and Controlled Corporation but emphasized that no meeting occurred after the June 21 demolition of fence blocking three streets.

Poblete, however, did not specify if the city has finally decided to sue CPA. —(FREEMAN)